Frustrated! NO Online GMAT in China/Closed Test Centers

Question

I’m a candidate currently located in Mainland China. I’ve reached the peak of my frustration with the COVID-19 pandemic. The online GMAT is not an option. My exam keeps getting canceled. Test centers across the country are not being very precautious.

I don’t know what to do.

I can not take the exam.

Posted from my mobile device

I don’t know what to do.

I can not take the exam.

Posted from my mobile device

MBAPrepCoach · Answer

I can understand how that would be the peak of frustration. Maybe for the time being so that you can continue your plans you can focus on schools where you can get a waiver? You definitely have a solid reason. If you can demonstrate quant abilities in other ways ie job, grades might work out. But you would need to submit for it right away. I’m not really sure if the executive assessment is the same situation but there are several full-time programs that except that and it is generally considered a watered down version of the GMAT.

Posted from my mobile device

Posted from my mobile device

sritamasia · Answer

Did you try raising the issue with GMAC on Twitter?
It might help.

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

My exam keeps getting canceled.

Due to network issues? If so, finding a solution for that may be the way to go. I recall a student of mine who planned to give the test in a library.

PensterG · Answer

Same here. My test appointments were cancelled twice and I had to apply for a fricking permit (which was almost impossible) to leave my city for the GMAT test. But eventually I got out and took the test yesterday. Got a 740. Jiayou

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EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi DallasMavericks1,

I appreciate how infuriating all of this must be. The GMAT can certainly feel challenging enough as it is without also having difficulty scheduling an Official Exam appointment. Have you been able to resolve the scheduling issues you've described yet?

LinaGuo,

Your 740 is an outstanding result - and with it, you can comfortably apply to any Business Schools that interest you! Can you tell me a bit more about the process you went through to take the GMAT (what did you have to do to receive the 'permit', where did you have to travel, etc.)?
 
GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

PensterG · Answer

Hi Rich,

Long story.

So I had my first GMAT appointment on 6 Nov. But on 2 Nov they found 2 positive covid cases in the town 180km away from the city I'm living. So all tests in my city got cancelled - not only GMAT, but ALL tests including IELTS, TOEFL etc.

So I did another appointment on 18 Nov in Shanghai. But my city imposed a strict lockdown starting from 6 Nov - highways blocked, flights cancelled, trains cancelled too. Anyone who wish to leave the city needed a special permit which was extremely difficult to obtain.I contacted the regional office and they gave me a list of documents that I had to prepare for the permit - many of them were impossible to get (for example, an official letter from Shanghai government declaring they "allow my visit").They even told me they would organize "a thorough home inspection by the police" to make sure that I'm a legal resident -all sounded like a joke to me.

Anyways,later on they told me not to bother with the permit application cuz they would not approve it even if I got all required docs. Cuz "taking tests has been removed from valid reasons to leave town". They also advised me that even people whose direct relatives died still would not get the permit, as "weddings and funerals are not valid reasons either". Yes, people could not even go to attend THEIR OWN WEDDINGS or THEIR MOTHERS' FUNERALS.

So of course my test on 18 Nov was cancelled again. I had to make another appointment on 6 Dec. Luckily the government eased the rules and eventually lifted the lockdown on 4 Dec.

Since Early Nov I have taken 8 mandatory PCR tests, and tomorrow I have to take another. Duh. So much craziness!

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EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi LinaGuo,

That is an incredible number of 'hurdles' to have to get past to take your Exam! Hopefully, everything will be less complicated when it comes time to apply to Schools. Congratulations again on your 740!

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

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